The absence of a key player was conspicuous, and it wasn't related to the recent waiver status of Boris Katchouk.
Defenseman Seth Jones was notably missing, currently undergoing evaluation for an upper-body injury.
Despite an impressive performance against Washington on Sunday, where he logged 25:29 of ice time and fired five shots on net, Jones exited the game not looking at full strength. Head coach Luke Richardson mentioned postgame that Jones was undergoing assessment, expressing hope for his availability on the trip. Unfortunately, that optimism did not materialize.
In response to Jones' absence, the Blackhawks recalled Filip Roos on Monday to bolster the lineup.
However, the defensive challenges for the team don't end there, as Jarred Tinordi is already on the injured reserve list, following concussion protocol. With Jones unavailable, Roos will be called upon to join a defensive lineup featuring three other young defensemen � Alex Vlasic, Louis Crevier, and Isaak Phillips.
The Blackhawks face a formidable task against a red-hot Edmonton team in light of these lineup changes.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 12 | 86 ANSWERS Disaster strikes the Chicago Blackhawks before facing off vs red hot Edmonton Oilers Will the Oilers score more than 6 goals on the Blackhawks tonight? | ||
Yes | 31 | 36 % |
No | 55 | 64 % |
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